Lakewood Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Attorney in Lakewood, CO

Finding yourself accused or charged with a crime can be one of the most frightening and overwhelming experiences of your life. Whether you are dealing with a felony charge or a misdemeanor, the stakes are high in Lakewood, Colorado. You could face jail time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record should you be convicted. Thankfully, an experienced Lakewood criminal defense lawyer is here to protect your legal rights and advocate for your freedom.

At Pearson & Paris, P.C., we are not reluctant to take on difficult cases. We have the experience, resources and advocacy skills to handle the most complex cases, as well as those involving lesser offenses and misdemeanors.

We examine every detail and nuance in a case, carefully evaluating every factual and legal issue. This intelligent approach can level the playing field when you are facing a well-prepared prosecutor. Call 303-996-8610 to discuss your specific situation. From our office in Lakewood, we represent clients throughout the Denver area.

Defining Misdemeanors and Felonies in Lakewood

Lakewood, Colorado, is no stranger to crime. and currently holds a violent crime rate of 7.17 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 46.26 per 1,000. Whether you live in areas around Green Mountain or call the busy streets of Belmar home, crimes happen, and it is wise to be aware of the charges you might face and how to properly address them with legal guidance.

When you find yourself arrested or accused of a crime, it is important to understand the classification of that crime, as this will help you gain a better understanding of the penalties that you might end up facing should you be successfully convicted. In Colorado, criminal charges are typically classified as one of two different categories. This includes:

Misdemeanors

In Lakewood, misdemeanor crimes, though considered not as serious as felony crimes, can still carry harsh penalties and should be taken with just as much gravitas. This might include charges of assault, child abuse, theft, criminal mischief, and violation of a protection order. Misdemeanor classes include:

• Class 1. These are the most serious misdemeanor charges and carry the most severe penalties. If you are convicted of a Class 1 misdemeanor, then you will be facing up to 1 year in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, and probation. Common examples of Class 1 misdemeanors are third degree assault, child abuse, theft above a certain amount, criminal mischief, and violation a protection order.
• Class 2. These misdemeanor charges deal with offenses that are slightly less serious than Class 1 charges. If you are charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor, you will find yourself facing up to 6 months in jail and fines reaching up to $750. These charges can include resisting arrest, obstruction, theft of property of a certain value, criminal mischief, and false imprisonment. Felonies

In Lakewood, felony charges are much more serious and can heavily impact your future and livelihood if you are convicted. Felony crime classes can include the following:

• Class 1. These are the most serious felony charges and come with a penalty of life in prison without parole. Common offenses can include first-degree murder, causing death during the commission of certain felonies, and murder of a peace officer.
• Class 2. If you are charged with a Class 2 felony, no matter the charges, you will find yourself facing both prison and mandatory parole after being released. Class 2 felonies carry from 8 – 24 years in prison. Fines range from $5,000 – $1,000,000. For Class 2 felonies that have the Crime of Violence sentence enhancer, the potential prison time doubles and the range is 16 – 48 years. The Crime of Violence sentencer enhancer is not the only one. There are other potential sentence enhancers that can also cause the presumptive range of prison time to increase.
• Class 3. For crimes of violence, you could face 10-32 years in prison. For crimes of extraordinary risk of harm, you could face 4-16 years in prison, and for non-violent crimes, you could be in prison anywhere from 4-12 years. The presumptive fine range is $3,000 – $750,000. Common offenses include vehicular homicide, first-degree burglary, and first-degree assault.
• Class 4. You could face 2-6 years in prison for a standard Class 4 felony. For a Class 4 felony crime of violence, you could face 5-16 years in prison. The presumptive range of fines is $2,000 – $500,000. Examples of Class 4 felonies are second degree assault, aggravated motor vehicle theft, and identity theft.
• Class 5. These charges can include menacing with a deadly weapon, stalking, forgery, possession of a weapon by a previous offender, and unlawful distribution or possession of drugs (usually, involving small quantities). You could face from 1 – 3 years in prison for a standard Class 5 felony and from $1,000 – $100,000 in fines. The possible prison term can increase if certain sentence enhancers apply to your case.
• Class 6. These include criminal impersonation, theft of property over a certain amount, animal cruelty, and failure to register as a sex offender. The presumptive range is 12 – 18 months in prison and from $1,000 – $100,000 in fines. The possible prison term can increase if certain sentence enhancers apply to your case.

What Type Of Charges Are You Facing?

Our firm defends people facing all types of felony and misdemeanor charges, including:

• Violent crimes. Being accused of crimes such as assault or homicide puts your freedom and your future at great risk. Our attorneys will help you make a strong defense against violent crime charges.
• Crimes against property. Burglary, robbery, criminal mischief, and trespass.
• Drug offenses — Even with the legalization of recreational cannabis, drugs remain a focus of many prosecutors. We can push back aggressively against drug charges.
• DUI and vehicular crimes. Misdemeanor and felony DUI, vehicular assault and homicide, DUID and underage DUI.
• Fraud, theft and white collar crimes. Check fraud, credit card fraud, forgery, theft and shoplifting.
• Domestic violence charges. Domestic violence can include any act of crime, or the threat of violence, between two individuals who are either currently in or have been previously in an intimate relationship. This can include actions of hitting, kicking, choking, slapping, and pushing.
• Weapons offenses. These offenses can include carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a weapon as a previous offender and prohibited use of a weapon. Our attorneys can help you resolve weapon charges of all types.
• Post-conviction matters. Probation violations, appeals, and expungements

Our attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience in criminal law. They are skilled advocates who have represented clients in hundreds of jury and bench trials and countless other hearings. No matter what type of charges you face, we will fight for your rights and freedom every step of the way.

Common Defenses for Criminal Charges in Lakewood

When you are facing criminal charges, it is wise to be aware of the potential avenues of defense that might work for your case. At Pearson & Paris, P.C., we can review your case and determine which strategy fits your situation. Common strategies of defense for criminal charges in Lakewood can include:

• Acting in self-defense, in defense of others, or in defense of property
• Suffering a mistaken identity
• Having an alibi for the time and location of the alleged crime
• Suffering a false accusation due to the malicious intent of the accusing party

Whatever your charges may be, Pearson & Paris, P.C. is here to make sure everything is done in order to safeguard your future and protect your rights. Let us fight for you. You deserve it.

Contact Us For Strong Advocacy

Building a strong defense for a criminal charge in Lakewood starts with hiring the right attorney. At Pearson & Paris, P.C., our experienced attorneys are here to serve Lakewood and the surrounding counties of Denver, Adams, Douglas, and Arapahoe.

We are highly involved in our local community, having gained both the Legal Aid Society Award and contributed to the Colorado Bar over the years. With us on your side, you can trust that your rights will be fought for. Call our office for an initial consultation at reduced rates with an experienced criminal defense lawyer, or reach out to us through the brief online form.